Be Careful Little Eyes (Part 1)

Good Morning,

I would like to point out two stories: one, David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:3), and the other, Achan at Jericho (Joshua 7:21).  Both of these men saw something, and then took something.  I could also add Samson, who saw the gal and told his parents to get her for him (Judges 14:2-3); he also saw and took.

With those Bible stories in mind, I wonder why believers fuss about sermons on television or social media, or about taking phones and tablets out of the hands of their children. Our young people see so much, and without a doubt, that which we see affects our desires and actions.  Commercials and billboards also testify to this truth – that which we see moves us to action.

When folks see something, it affects them.  When Jesus spoke of a man looking with lust after a woman, He said the man has committed adultery WITH HER.  She was a party to the adulterous act. So yes, dress matters.  Yes, shutting off the television with football cheerleaders matters.  Yes, going to the beach and spending time with folks dressed in colored underwear matters – that which we see affects us! 

Let us take this one step further – that which we hear influences us.  

Matthew 4:24 “And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.”

In hearing, it is a philosophy we take rather than gold or another man’s wife.  I took a few young people out of town to a preaching meeting at a good church, and there was nothing wrong with the preaching, except for what he DID NOT SAY.  He never called out one sin.  He smiled the entire time he spoke.  He never did what Paul commanded Timothy to do, “reprove, rebuke and exhort.”

We did not attend the next conference. I will not bring my young people to hear soft, easily digested, pablum that does not bring conviction, step on any toes, or lift us to a holy and separated life. That which we hear and see will move us to act, for good or for bad.

Regarding their behavior, the apostle said, “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20) 

To allow our children to play video games with headphones, hear who knows what, and see uncensored pictures and actions is imprudent at best, destructive at worst. 

Remember the children’s song, “Oh, be careful little eyes what you see…” – no truer words were ever written.

Pastor